Insecticide For Grain Bins

Insecticides for grain bins are necessary to prevent insect infestation in storage systems. Without proper grain storage and proper application, grain can be severely damaged by insect infestation. This storage is accomplished by storing products at proper temperatures, properly maintaining the container and its contents, as well as cleaning the container/equipment correctly.

Insecticide For Grain Bins

Insect problems in stored grain are best prevented through sound grain management at the on-farm level. Implementation of sanitation practices which reduce residual pest insect numbers in empty bins and grain handling equipment coupled with pre-harvest insecticide applications to empty bin surfaces and surrounding areas is the first step in effective management of insect pests in stored grain. The second step is to apply a grain protectant on the grain to be stored. This application is essential if the grain will be in storage through the summer months or longer the following year. The grain is generally treated with a labeled insecticide as the grain stream is moved into the storage structure. This is followed by a second insecticide application to the top of the leveled grain mass inside the bin or structure. This (capping) treatment prevents insect from infesting the grain through the top of the grain mass. The third step is to monitor stored grain on a specific schedule to determine if insect infestations are present. Grain held through the winter into the following summer months is at high risk of developing insect infestations if not treated during filling of the storage structure. Due to high oil content of soybean, insect problems during storage of this crop are minimal if grain moisture is maintained at 13 – 14%.

If grain bins and handling equipment are not sanitized prior to grain fill and grain is moved into storage without receiving a preventative insecticide application, then insect infestations can develop in as little as 3 to 6 weeks following initiation of grain storage. In normal years cool fall temperatures usually allow the stored grain mass to be cooled to 50 – 55 degrees Fahrenheit which causes insects infesting the grain to become inactive. Some grain management recommendations suggest reducing the temperature of the grain mass to 35-40 degrees F to restrict the development of molds. Grain should not be frozen when reducing grain mass temperature in the fall. During periods of warm fall temperatures the risk of late season insect infestations of stored grain is increased. In the spring the grain mass should be warmed to a minimum of 60 degrees F to prevent condensation of moisture on bin walls and subsequently damage from insects and molds.

The high value of grain crops held in on-farm storage can best be protected by implementation of a monitoring program for detection of insect infestations and other pest problems within the storage structure. Producers should monitor stored grains regularly to assess grain moisture, temperature, and the presence of insect infestations.

The following summary includes a list of labeled insecticides, use rates and labeled uses. This information was revised 9/2014.

Steps to Successful Insect Management in Farm-stored Grains

What To Do Before Harvest

SANITATION

Thoroughly clean all grain residues from bins. Remove all residues from areas around the bins and nearby feed bunks or feed storage areas. Remove all grain residues from combines, trucks, and augers. Be sure to clean grain debris from fans and other grain handling equipment. These residues will be the main sources of insect infestations for farm stored grain. This is a very important part of a good grain management program and can prevent many stored grain insect problems.

RESIDUAL SURFACE SPRAYS TO EMPTLY BIN

After all debris and grain residues have been removed, an application of a residual insecticide should be made to the complete inside of the bin. This insecticide should also be applied around the exterior and to all areas where residues were removed. Spray all surfaces until wet; usually one gallon will cover 1,000 square feet prior to storing or handling grain. Use a course spray at a pressure of at least 30 psi. Insecticides are most effective if temperatures are 60F or higher. For optimal insect control, labeled products should be applied to empty grain bins 6-8 weeks prior to filling bins with grain. If sprayed within a few days of grain, fill the performance of the insecticides may be reduced. Insecticides labeled for empty bin surfaces include:

1. Beta-Cyfluthrin Formulations: for application to empty bin interior and exterior surfaces only, not to grain.
   • Tempo 20WP see specific label
   • Tempo 2EC see specific label
   • Tempo SC Ultra – 0.27 to 0.54 fl oz per 1 gallon of Water
2. Chlorpyrifos-methyl plus Deltamethrin: for application to empty bin interior and exterior surfaces only, not to grain.
   • Storcide II – 1.8 fl oz per 1 gallon of water Warning-This insecticide should only be applied from outside the bin using automated spray equipment. Do not enter the bin until all sprays have dried.
3. Deltamethrin: for application to empty bin interior and exterior surfaces only, not to grain.
   • Suspend SC – Use 0.25 to 1.5 fl oz in enough water to cover 1000 square feet of area. See and follow specific label rates and directions.
4. (S)- Methoprene: Interferes with insect development, but does not directly kill adult insects. For use in reducing insect numbers over an extended period of time.
   • Diacon II and Diacon-D – see and follow specific label rates and directions.
5. Silicon Dioxide, Diatomaceous Earth:
   • Several brands including Dryacide, Insecto, Protect-It and others – Follow specific label directions.
6. Malathion:
   • Malathion – various formulations available, but not recommended for empty bin treatment due to lack of control of Indian meal moth and lesser grain borer. “Do not apply directly to grain”.

Insecticide For Grain Bins

Insects can be a major problem in grain bins. They can cause extensive damage to stored crops and contaminate the grain, which is then unsalable.

Reality: Insecticides are used to fight insects before they get into the grain bin.

Description: Insecticides come in many forms including dust, granules, and liquid sprays. These can be used on their own or combined with other products that help prevent insects from getting into your grain bin.

Differentiation: Different types of insecticides are available for specific uses based on where you live and what kind of crops you’re trying to protect from pests. For example, if you live in an area where mosquitoes are prevalent you may want to use an insecticide that kills them specifically but if you live in an area where termites are common then it would be better to use something else instead so as not to kill them off completely instead!

List Of Insecticide For Grain Bins